The Bureau of Land Management plans to conduct several prescribed fires in San Juan County.
Prescribed burns are planned for the following areas:
The Blanding East Project, located north of Recapture Reservoir, includes approximately 1200 acres of brush piles. The Devils Canyon Project, located between Monticello and Blanding near Canyon Terrace and adjacent to Highway 191, includes approximately 240 acres of brush piles. Slash burning is a form of fire mitigation designed to keep public lands healthy, a BLM news release said.
“It has been shown to reduce wildfire risk to adjacent areas, restore riparian ecosystem health, improve native plant communities, and enhance wildlife habitat. Prescribed burns work to protect local communities from destructive wildfire by pro-actively. managing landscapes. Often, the most desirable conditions needed to conduct these projects occur with little notice.”
BLM said fire and fuel specialists will review weather and burn conditions for safe operations and smoke dispersion. Smoke and flames may be visible from nearby highways or in local communities. Light smoke may remain visible from the surrounding area for several days after a burn occurs.
Utah Fire Info will post information at utahfireinfo.gov.
For more information call Jason Kirks at the Canyon Country District Office (435) 259-2194.
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and responses are provided during normal business hours.